Cristiano Ronaldo news: Juventus star denied security request for Madrid court appearance

What's the story?

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo was denied permission for special security measures when he enters a Madrid courthouse for his trial on tax fraud today.

In case you didn't know...

Ronaldo is scheduled to appear before a Madrid court after being accused of four counts of tax fraud by Spanish prosecutors back in 2017.

The prosecutors claimed that they found parts of the former Real Madrid star's income between 2011 and 2014 hidden in a shell company located in the British Virgin Islands.

It was alleged that the 33-year-old forward cheated Spanish authorities of €1.4 million in 2011, €1.7 million in 2012, €3.2 million in 2013 and €8.5 million in 2014.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is expected to plead guilty after he reportedly agreed to a £16.4m fine and a suspended jail term.

The heart of the matter

The Independent Online now reports that the Juventus forward was denied special security measures for when he is on his way to the court.

Ronaldo had reportedly asked for permission to enter the court via the car park. The security would have made it easier for the Portuguese to navigate and avoid journalists and fans.

Ronaldo's lawyers had previously also asked for the player to appear before the court via a video conference but the request was reportedly rejected.

The court session has been scheduled to begin at 9.50am and has been reported to be short.

What's next?

Ronaldo will likely not be required to serve the sentence given to him as prison sentences of two years or less for first-time non-violent offenders are usually suspended under Spanish law. This comes with the condition that the accused will commit no further crimes in the country during the given period.

Ronaldo’s former teammate Xabi Alonso has also been asked to appear in court on the same day in a separate tax fraud case.